Wickies: The Vanishing Men of Eilean Mor Review – Park Theatre

Wickies: The Vanishing Men of Eilean Mor is based on the true story of a mysterious disappearance. Three lighthouse keepers James Ducat, Thomas Marshall, and Donald MacArthur vanished without a trace on 15 December 1900. Said to be a supernatural thriller the play explores the enduring mystery of what happened on the fateful day. More than a century later this unsolved Hebridean legend inspired playwright Paul Morrissey.

On 26 December 1900, a small ship was making its way to the Flannan Islands in the remote Outer Hebrides. Its destination was the lighthouse at Eilean Mor; a remote island, uninhabited apart from its lighthouse keepers. When the ship arrived, the lighthouse was unlocked and two of three oil skinned coats belonging to the men were missing. The fire had been out for days, the kitchen had half eaten food, the chairs were overturned, and the clock had stopped. More importantly, the lighthouse lamp was out. The three men had vanished.

James Ducat, played by Ewan Stewart, and Donald MacArthur, played by Graeme Dalling, are experienced wickies. They are joined by occasional keeper Thomas Marshall, played by Jamie Quinn, as their usual third man has been taken ill. Ducat is a stoic man whilst MacArthur is an angry drunk with a short temper. Marshall is naïve and inexperienced and is unsettled by the howling winds and solitude. Made worse after hearing about the first lighthouse keeper of Eilean Mor and the death of his family.

Unfortunately, I really struggled with Wickies: The Vanishing Men of Eilean Mor at Park Theatre. I found the play steered towards the cliff edge of suspense and foreboding but never quite reached the edge. The sparse set and lighting allowed for a spooky atmosphere but again did not give me the thrill I expected. It was almost like the play itself wasn’t sure whether it wanted to present as a thriller or a historic piece.

Along with the role of lightkeeper each actor additionally took on the part of those who came to the island to investigate. I can’t fault the actors on their performances, with each completely immersing themselves in the role. But I found the storyline quite repetitive switching between the men in debate, singing sea shanties, and contemplating what happened. I think the show has a lot of potential but just need a bit of a kick to it when it comes to the fright factor.

⭐⭐⭐

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith